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Wildlife Corridors |
wildlife corridors in the BacaSpanish Meadow is not just a beautiful grassy meadow in the midst of the Baca. The Meadow is part of a critical wildlife corridor connecting the valley floor with the high meadows of Spanish Creek. Maintaining connectivity between populations and suitable habitats is crucial to the continued viability of healthy wildlife populations. As biologist E.O. Wilson points out: “without connectivity, landscapes may be reduced to pathetic remnants that sustain few species and provide little ecological value.” why corridors are important Many animals use corridors as habitat and to migrate seasonally, find mates and disperse to new territories thus maintaining healthy populations and genetic diversity. Critical to seasonal altitudinal elk migration Maintaining habitat connectivity projects and future goals CBLT was able to restore Spanish Meadow to its natural condition through funds awarded from a grant from the Colorado Division of Wildlife in 2004. Volunteers removed several decrepit buildings and an above ground septic system that had been leaching effluent into Spanish Creek. Our goal is to prevent the creation of movement barriers for animals using the Spanish Creek corridor by discouraging development between Brook Trout Road and Spanish Creek. Conservation easements have been placed on the narrower, and thus more vulnerable western end of Spanish Meadow, but development of lots along the eastern part of the corridor is a continuing threat. The presence of humans and pets could severely diminish the appeal and effectiveness of the corridor thus severing the vital ecological links between the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, Baca Grande subdivision and upland areas of the Rio Grande National Forest, Mountain Tract. The 500,000-acre Great Sand Dunes complex of lands that includes the Baca Grande, Baca National Wildlife Refuge, Rio Grande National Forest Mountain Tract and Medano Ranch is home to a large resident elk herd. Originally estimated to be as many as 6,000, a recent field study conducted by Kate Schoenecker with the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Discipline (USGS-BRD) revealed that there are about 2,000 fewer animals than originally thought. Data from this study suggests that low calf survival rates have led to a steadily declining population since the early 1990’s. The reasons for this decline are not well understood although it’s believed that the herd is significantly below its natural “carrying capacity.” Management of this declining elk herd is a major concern for the surrounding land management agencies. Hence the maintenance of continuous habitat and movement corridors is a central part of an effective integrated watershed-wide management strategy. Our biological consultant is currently working with Ms. Schoenecker to analyze the most recent data available on season variations in elk and antelope use patterns in the Baca Grande. To download a pdf file (3.12 MB) of the |
elk grazing in Spanish meadow.
© Linde Waidhofer